Contempt

Part of the American myth is the belief that our heroes can always rise to the challenge. We expect so much. If those whom we hold dear fall short through lack of effort or commitment, what we feel is not disappointment, but contempt... because, after all, they are not worthy. Hence the vituperation that befalls the Eagles and the Patriots, who could not hold onto normally safe leads on Sunday.

Hence also the problem for Barack Obama. By giving a lot less than we thought was his best in the first debate with a punching bag Romney, he earned not disappointment, but contempt. Although the press had ballyhooed the importance of the debate, Obama apparently thought otherwise. Thus many turned away from him, and made themselves see in his flyweight opponent something of value: conviction. Romney is convinced that he will and should win the election, and he believes that it is a good thing to lie if that helps. Not to call Romney on his immorality may cost Obama the White House because he did not rise to the challenge.